Broncos boss Paul White refuses to back Wayne Bennett for 2020

BRISBANE CEO Paul White had numerous opportunities to declare Wayne Bennett was safe beyond next season, but would not be drawn on the prospect of a new contract for the super coach.

BRONCOS boss Paul White has refused to guarantee the future of Wayne Bennett beyond next year, admitting Brisbane are keeping their options open for the 2020 season.

White also confirmed his 34-year relationship with Bennett is strained, raising question marks over whether two of the club’s most powerful figures can maintain harmony at the Broncos for the next 12 months.

In a 34-minute media conference at Red Hill on Friday morning, White had numerous opportunities to declare Bennett was safe for 2020, but would not be drawn on the prospect of a new contract for the super coach.

Instead, White reiterated what he has been saying for months — that the club will honour Bennett’s existing deal for 2019 — leaving the 68-year-old on shaky ground in his fight for survival.

As revealed by News Corp on Thursday, Broncos chairman Karl Morris has issued a letter to Bennett offering him a senior administrative position for 2020, effectively ending his career as head coach at the club.

White refused to discuss the new job offer to Bennett but is adamant the NRL’s greatest coach will not be sacked at season’s end.

“No chance,” White said.

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Broncos coach Wayne Bennett’s future is uncertain. Picture: AAP

“There is no talk of dismissing anyone.

“I have been consistent to say there is no risk to Wayne’s contract for 2019, I will continue to re-state that point.

“Wayne has presented to myself and the board (a proposal) and he has had a conversation with our chairman.

“Both have refrained from speaking on coaching issues for 2020 until the conclusion of this season and that is appropriate because this club is built on playing finals football.

“My firm priority us to make the most of the back end of this season and restate this club has a proud history of competing hard into the semi-finals.

“Today is about restoring some balance and taking the noise out of the discussion.”

Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White addresses the media. Picture: AAP

Morris and White are keen to recognise Bennett’s service to the club by transitioning him into a senior front-office role for 2020, but the master coach does not want to give up coaching.

Effectively, the Broncos board are buying themselves time. Bennett’s only hope of a new deal for 2020 is if he spearheads a late-season charge to the premiership this season.

The Broncos have been linked with current Souths coach Anthony Seibold and his Rabbitohs predecessor Michael Maguire, but White insists the club has not spoken to either of the duo.

“Michael has go on the record this morning and put that to bed, but it highlights the speculation that continues to surround our coaching issue for 2020 and beyond,” White said.

“Wayne has made it abundantly clear he wants to coach beyond the 2019 season into 2020.

“We did sound out Craig Bellamy to see if he had an interest in coaching our club. We did that behind closed doors but when it became public we went on the front foot and informed our members and supporters that was the case.

“It was reported we went after Paul Green but that wasn’t the case. Once the Craig Bellamy matter was concluded we bunkered down and endeavoured to respect the process. Yes we went after one coach, we haven’t gone back into the market since.

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“Wayne understands our position. It wouldn’t be good practice for any business to rush a decision, it’s a decision we have to get right and we need to take our time.

“Half the coaches in the competition are off-contract in 2019, time is on our side.

“We have 14 months before we need to make a decision on who is coaching our club in 2020.”

Asked if his relationship with Bennett was strained after the coach snubbed a team BBQ at White’s house last Friday, the CEO said: “Absolutely, in any long-term friendships you go through tough times.

“I know the headlines were ‘Cold War’ and I don’t want to be involved in one of those.

“I’ve known Wayne 34 years, he’s been a wonderful friend of mine and been a big influence on my life. I don’t want to burn a friendship that has been there for a period of time.

“The only thing Wayne has said to me is always be honest. I am being honest with Wayne and we will be able to move on. We are very professional in terms of our relationship. He has a job to do. I have a job to do and we are here to serve the club.

“I don’t want to burn a friendship but equally I don’t want to not do my job.”